Steve Howell reports from our recent tour to Veracruz, Mexico, where migration truly was a moving experience.

The very first morning we watched thousands of White-winged Doves heading over southward—here a small group ‘carrying’ single Eurasian Collared Dove and Red-billed Pigeon (can you spot them?)

And then we stepped into the deep end of the world-famous ‘River of Raptors’ on a day when 220,000 (!) Broad-winged Hawks were tallied! Here, just a fraction of the spectacle...

And here a pleasingly low juvenile Mississippi Kite

Coastal birding produced great views of the recently split Veracruz (née Rufous-naped) Wren...

And numerous migrants, including this obliging American Bittern.

Highland birding showcased another facet of Mexico’s diverse biogeography, from the stunning Red Warbler... Photo by participant Kent Anderson

To Red Crossbills (feeding on alders!)... Photo by participant Kent Anderson

And the highly local (and tiny-billed!) Strickland’s Woodpecker. Photo by participant Kent Anderson

Besides birds everywhere we looked there were other delights, including this handsome Black Swallowtail

And this hummingbird hawk-moth

And some spectacular scenery, here high desert Joshua trees with snow-capped Orizaba Volcano in the background, towering above 18,000 feet